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Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three
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Author:  Melanie [ August 31st, 2017, 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Blood rushed to her cheeks as Dunhama kissed her, and when she found the strength to pull away from him and take a few steps towards her room, when she looked back at him, she felt smitten.
How much her heart had grown these past few days. Had you asked her of her ability to love and be loved before the journey to Helm's Deep, her answer would have been full of sorrow and disdain. But now, she was full of hope and life.
This time tomorrow, she would be happy for the rest of her life. She wouldn't have to worry about carrying such burdens of the past all alone. She would be able to share them with him. With her husband.
A shiver ran up her spine and she smiled sweetly then dipped her head.
"Good night, my sweet husband."
She whispered before slipping behind the doorframe and hesitantly shutting the door.
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Gaelrin studied his face for a moment, then blushed and kept her gaze down at her fingers...which were dirty and not very lady-like.
"I....I must admit, I would not be opposed were something like that to happen..."

Author:  Hanasian [ September 1st, 2017, 9:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama sighed as the sight of Athilda disappeared behind the door. This night, so enjoyable, was ending, ad he was glad of it. This time tomorrow, the door would not shut between them. Dunhama brushed the door with his fingers before turning and walking away. All he wanted to do was to find his cot and sleep.

Finding his way to the barracks, he stepped toward his bunk. A step away from falling face first on his cot, a hand grabbed him and turned him around.

"Not so fast young Dunhama. Can't let you get married without a bit of fun. Come with me."

Dunhama didn't want anything but to pass the night and find the next day. But the soldiers of his regiment would not have it. He was escorted to the old tavern his mother used to work at, where they had gathered. A flagon of ale was pressed into his hand and the music played slow. The dancer came out and spun about as cheers from the men erupted. As beautiful as she was, Dunhama sighed and drank his ale, closing his eyes and thinking of Athilda dancing before him. His vision doubled as she stood behind him, his head tipping back...

The horn sounded too soon. Few of the men wanted to get up. The second blast got them stirring. Dunhama opened an eye and realized he was alive. The day had come when he would marry the love of his life! He sat up, and one of the men came over and said,

"We need to get you suited in the finest dress uniform we have! Eotan perished at Helms Deep, but he was your size, and he woud be honored to have the one who stood in the breach to wear his dress uniform. Dunhama, it is yours. Your bride awaits you at noon in the garden!"

Dunhama smiled, for the day of dreams had come. He stood and started to get ready.

Author:  Melanie [ September 1st, 2017, 10:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda woke to the sound of rapid footfall just outside her room. When she opened her eyes, she noticed the suns' rays were dwindling in her room.
"How long was i asleep for?"
She muttered quietly to herself as she quickly got out of bed and readied herself to work.
When she opened the door, one of the other maids stopped and smiled at her.
"Is everything alright?"
The maid asked as she saw the look of panic in Athilda's eyes.
"Um....yes...I...I am afraid that I overslept. Please, can you tell me where the Lady-"
She was interrupted by her own panic as the Lady approached her. She dipped her head and curtsied until the Lady gently urged her to stand.
"What is wrong, my dear? You needn't worry yourself about working today. It is your wedding day, and you deserve to rest and relax until you meet your beloved at noon today. We will prepare the decorations and your bouquet of flowers. Ashlaid has your dress and will bring it to you in a moment. Now rest, my dear."
Athilda smiled and had to hold back the tears from her eyes as she looked at the beautiful Lady Eowyn.
"Thank you, Milady. I am forever in your debt."
"Think nothing of it."
The Lady said gently before turning as another maid holding Athilda's gown approached her.
"Here. Would you like some help?"
Athilda took the gown in her arms and dipped her head.
"Aye, thank you."
And with that, they turned back into her room and soon she was being dressed in her wedding gown. The maids then styled her hair in two simple braids that were tied at the nape of her neck and adorned with flowers.
Athilda couldn't wait for the noon hour to arrive. For then, she would become a wife.

Author:  Jax Nova [ September 1st, 2017, 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano smiled, though he did not look up at Gaelrin's. "Well," he finally said, and finally looked over to her. "Then we let it come in time as time sees fit. There is much at play in our lives right now and I dare not pressure you into something beyond that which you are accepting of." He looked back to the fire. "I am glad to know that you are agreeable, though."

He felt awkward, though he didn't show it much outwardly. He wasn't sure exactly what to say next.

Author:  Melanie [ September 1st, 2017, 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Gaelrin stole a look in his direction as he turned his gaze back into the fire; a small smile lit up at his response.
She was agreeable to such an idea of....being together. The thought sent what she felt to be fireflies fluttering about in her stomach and she lowered her gaze and shifted in her seat.
"Perhaps...perhaps the time will come sooner than you or I think it will. You have been a good friend to me, Kano...I feel as though I have known you for a very long time, even though we met mere days ago."

Author:  Hanasian [ September 2nd, 2017, 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama couldn't believe it. Why did the guys of his new unit work so hard to get him ready? Why did they take him out the night before? Dunhama barely knew any of them, yet they treated him as if he had been with them for years. Dunhama didn't know that a wedding of a soldier in this regiment was always celebrated. But Dunhama did not miss the veiled strain in the faces of some of the older men. Many of them had to bring a dead husband's body home to his wife knowing their days together was too short.

Still a bit wobbly on his feet, Dunhama asked a comrade,

"What h..happened last night? And how did I get back here to the barracks?"

"My friend, what happens at the tavern, stays at the tavern. Couldn't say anyhow as it's all a bit fuzzy to me too. Now, we got some warm water out the back. You get all washed up before you get dressed. Don't want you stinking when you meet your bride. Besides, Eotan would likely haunt you should you get into his prize dress uniform unbathed."


Dunhama went out and washed as best he could before returning to dress. As he got ready, the commander asked him,

"Who stands with you Dunhama. If you have nobody, we, as members of your unit, all would be honoured to stand with you."

"I.. I have two who I asked to stand with me.. well, one, but another young man whom I would like to ask. He is Grihias, an orphan whose mother was killed on the road to Helms Deep, and his father fell on the wall of Helms Deep. And Kan, a friend I met on the perilous road to Helms Deep. I met my beloved Athilda then too."


Dunhama said, his mind swimming and not being coherent. His hands were shaking, and his body sweated in that clammy nervousness, but he would close his eyes and take deep breaths. He felt scared, but knew that was silly. If there was any time he should have felt scared, it was when he was fighting the hordes breaking through the breach in the wall. He now had nothing to be scared of, for he would be bound in marriage with Athilda, and with her, she would make him complete. H closed his eyes and imagined her dark hair and face smiling as the wind rippled her dress about her. He sighed as his leathers were fitted and tied. A hand on his shoulder brought him back. His commander said,

"Easy now, you save that up for later. You try and relax, for the hour nears."

The hour nears.... Dunhama smiled. He looked forward to see Athilda this day in all her bridal beauty! He was as ready as he would ever be. He just had to pass this last hour...

Author:  Jax Nova [ September 4th, 2017, 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano smiled "I would not object," he admitted. Kano glanced at the sky and realized the hour. "The wedding..." he said softly. "Athilda and Dunham will be wed soon. I guess I should get myself ready." He looked to Gaelrin as he stood. "Thank you for this wonderful night. Do you need help with anything else before I go to prepare?"

Author:  Melanie [ September 5th, 2017, 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda had walked the halls of Meduseld for what seemed like hours to calm her fluttering heart. She had passed by many other maidens who were making the final touches to the main hall for the celebration after the wedding. The smell of savory stew and sweet figs wafted towards her as she neared the kitchen; although she knew that her love would not be there, she still couldn't bring herself to not check.
When she peered inside, she was met by a large man stirring a few pots and tending to the fire. She smiled and dipped her head then took her leave and headed outside. The cool wind that blew past her caused her hair to fly behind her, and although she shivered, she felt refreshed and comforted. She decided to take a small walk outside, until she found Kano and Gaelrin still talking outside, to which she smiled and walked up to them.
"Kano, Gaelrin. How do you fare? Have you....been here all evening?"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gaelrin smiled nervously then looked up at him as he mentioned the wedding of Athilda and Dunhama.
"Oh....goodness, I had nearly forgotten all about that! Um...no, I...I think I am alright. "
She turned at the sound of Athilda's voice behind her, then dipped her head and smiled as she looked upon her beauty.
"You look beautiful, Athilda. We...yes, I suppose we have. Do you...do you need help with anything?"

Author:  Jax Nova [ September 6th, 2017, 10:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano looked up. "Athilda," he said with a bow of his head. "I trust all is going well?" He looked to Gaelrin as she inquired whether they needed help with anything and waited for the answer to that question.

Author:  Hanasian [ September 9th, 2017, 7:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama swallowed trying to keep some moisture in his throat. This last hour seemed like an eternity, partially in his wanting to see Athilda and be married to her, and partially because he had never been so nervous. The men of his company swarmed him with good tidings, trinkets he would wear, and barbs of hilarity they seemed to fit the occasion. But Dunhama could not take it all in and still laugh. He finally stood, adorned with pendants, badges, armbands, and an ornate knife blade in his sheath. As he walked out into the sun of the cool breezy day, he too a deep breath in and looked around. He was ready and willing to give himself to the woman he loved. He now just had to get himself to the beautiful herb garden of Meduseld.

Outside, a rather rough looking Grihias met him, holding a small box with the old ring Dunhama had given him to hold. It was the other item he had gotten from his mother's belongings that he would give Athilda in wedlock. He could not wait to see it on her hand. Dunhama looked about and asked Grihias,

"Where is Kano? And your sister Gaelrin?"

Grihias sighed as he said,

"They both spent the night together. They were practicing sword, and I do not know what else, but the sunrise found them together still."

"I see. It is a beautiful thing to know. I trust that Kano will find his way to the garden to stand with me, and Gaelrin will accompany Athilda?"


Dunhama asked. Grihias shrugged shyly, not wishing to answer for his sister.

"They will answer for themselves."

Grihias said as he took his place beside Dunhama. With a moment's pause, they both started to make their way to the garden. Dunhama swallowed the dryness in his throat. He hoped he would not be late for his own wedding.

- - -

Wulgov caught sight of Athilda as she left the kitchen. Why was she there? He was approaching with some fresh vegetables, and paused as she left and walked away. He took a deep breath, admiring her beauty, and congratulated Dunhama in his mind as he thought of him wrapping his arms about her as his wife. He watched her as she rounded the corner f the hall, and he went in to the kitchen. There was still much to do for the reception of the wedding of a Rohirrim war hero and a fair lady healer of the Realm. Wulgov knew he woud have to keep himself in the shadows of servitude, for it would mean he could still cast his eyes on to the lady Athilda, even if it was from afar. He shook his head and cast such thoughts away. He only wished to make his parole good in the eyes of the King of Rohan, and live free. He sighed and got back to work.

Author:  Melanie [ September 10th, 2017, 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda smiled at the two and shook her head and just as she was about to open her mouth to answer, she heard footsteps behind her, causing her to look back over her shoulder. She immediately dipped her head as the Lady Eowyn approached them, then explained what she was going to ask of Gaelrin and Kano-that is, if they would stand in their wedding party.
The Lady smiled warmly and looked at the Kano and Gaelrin with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Well, it looks like you two are needed then. For I hear from Eomer that your husband waits for you in the herb garden, Athilda."
Athilda's heart fluttered and her breath caught in her throat. He waited for her. With a beaming smile, Athilda looked back at Gaelrin and Kano and held out her hand, to which Gaelrin took and the two of them followed the Lady back into the great hall, then outside again until they reached the entrance of the garden.
It was at the entrance that Athilda first laid eyes on her future husband and her heart felt as though it was going to beat right out of her chest. He looked very handsome in his uniform and all of the patches, pins and adornments, no doubt given to him by his comrades in arms.
Athilda took in a deep breath, before catching the eyes of the Lady, who ushered Kano and Gaelrin up to where Dunhama and Theoden stood.
After waiting a few minutes, Athilda noticed that King Theoden was motioning for her to walk towards them; so, without further ado, she picked up the hem of her white dress, which was embroidered at the hem with golden thread, and walked towards her husband.
Her cheeks turned a rosy color as she gazed into Dunhama's deep eyes, but she did not look away. Instead, she allowed her heart to brim with joy and indeed, allowed herself to smile and laugh in mirth as she was mere steps away from him.

Author:  Hanasian [ September 11th, 2017, 8:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama stood frozen as he watched Athilda approach. Her beauty knew no ends, and Dunhama became self-conscience and his mind jumped around as if ants were crawling all over him. But his body stood straight and tall, and the minstrels played an ancient tune of Rhovanion that wafted softly through the air. The joy of renewal birthed in spring expressed in words of the singer swam through Dunhama's head as Athilda drew closer, his eyes bound to hers as he smiled. Nothing else mattered, for she came to him and he reached for her hand. She took it as she stepped up before Theoden King. Dunhama took in a deep breath and the sweet sensual fragrance of Athilda standing beside him filled him. The touch of her hand in his felt so good, and Dunhama relaxed slightly as the King spoke in the ancient Rhovanion tongue. But as he stood and looked upon Athilda, he failed to hear that he was to give his vows. Nerves took him as he had not prepared, or even thought of what he would say. As the King looked at him, he watched a lock of Athilda's hair blow free in the soft breeze that rippled her dress around her. Dunhama let the tension go and he said,

"This day, Lady Athilda, know that your gentle hands, your healing hands that bring life to the dying, have brought me to life. Your gaze touches me deep, and fills me with your love and strength, and I am forever grateful to have your love, for you complete me. With my unending love for you, I give myself to thee, and ask you of your free will to become my wife as we become one from this day."

The words to him seemed awkward and clumsy, and his mouth and throat were dry. But his eyes held to hers, and he stood tall holding her hand, and though he felt as though he was shaking all over inside and out. But to all who watched, he stood steady before Lady Athilda even as the chill wind rustled the flowers and herbs, and danced about them.

Author:  Melanie [ September 12th, 2017, 5:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

As Dunhama took her by the hand, speaking words that filled her heart with joy, she couldn't help but be moved to tears. For she loved this man so much. She would follow him to the ends of the world, and indeed, beyond.
She nearly misheard the King as he whispered that it was now her turn to speak her vows to Dunhama, but took a breath to calm her nerves before speaking.
"Not only do I give myself to you, Sir Dunhama, to be your wife, I give myself to be your companion and friend. You will always be the one that I run to, and your hands will be the only that I hold. With your love, I am safe Dunhama. I will follow you, even to the end of the world. I vow to love you wholly, to encourage you in your endeavors, and to comfort you through times of loss. I love thee, Dunhama of the Mark."
Even as she said those words, she felt tears fall down her cheek while a smile remained.

Author:  Jax Nova [ September 12th, 2017, 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano, taking his place as instructed, stood as tall and regal as he could. He could not help but smile wide as the two said their vows. It was an amazing thing indeed to be part of such a joyous event so soon after the heart wrenching battle at Helms Deep.

Kano found himself almost as nervous as he imagined the newlyweds to be! He stood firm, as Dunham did too. He glanced over at Gaelrin and smiled, looking around at the others as well.

Author:  Hanasian [ September 12th, 2017, 10:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Grihias wasn’t too sure what all was going on, but he tried to mirror Dunhama in his stance and demeanour. He gave Dunhama the old ring he had entrusted him with, and he took it and slipped it onto Athilda’s finger. He then looked over at his sister Gaelrin, and then to Kan as he was making eyes at her. He looked back at his sister then to Athilda and Dunhama.

Wulgov stood outside the garden, but where he stood he could see Athilda’s dress rippling around her. It was all he needed to see, and he remained afar. When she and Dunhama wrapped their arms around each other and kissed, he turned and went back to o the Hall to finish making preparations.

Dunhama beamed as he looked at Athilda, hearing her words. When the King asked if any had cause to oppose this wedding, Dunhama swallowed, but all were silent. It then came time for the King to pronounce them as husband and wife, and as he did so, Dunhama stepepd forth to Athilda and drew her to him and kissed her long and slow, as if there was nobody else there. But the applause and cheers that went up caused them to finally break their kiss, and they turned and waved to everyone. The King announced that the celebration would continue in the Great Hall as it did the day before, and all were welcome. Dunhama nodded in agreement, and he and Athilda started forth arm-in-arm. All was fair and bright, even as a cloud blew down from the mountains encircling them with silver droplets of mist. Dunhama also noted that the travelers, who were soon joined by Theoden and Eomer, were grim in deep discussion, as if ill news had come from the east. Dunhama only let it dampen his smile slightly before looking at his wife Athilda, admiring the tiny water droplets that had gathered in her hair. They led the way to the Great Hall to celebrate this day of days in their lives. He leaned to Athilda and said,

”My dream has become reality this day my love. Forever together with you, there is no bigger dream!”

He slid his hand over her back and around her waist as guys of his unit started to cheer as they followed.

Author:  Melanie [ September 16th, 2017, 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Gaelrin stood where the Lady Eowyn had directed that she stand, which was next to Athilda, and as she stood there, she couldn't help but feel at least some effect of the emotions that were surrounding her.
She felt overjoyed and nervous, and it was when she locked eyes with Kano that she felt butterflies fluttering about in her stomach. She had lowered her gaze in the hopes that he didn't see the blush that was now painting her cheeks. What was wrong with her? Why was she feeling this way? It's not like it was she that was getting married!
Suddenly, King Theoden pronounced them husband and wife, and not moments later, everyone was walking back to the Great Hall for the celebration.
As she moved through the garden, something made her stop. It was the smell of peppermint. Her mother had always put leaves of peppermint in their home to ward off spiders, and she had often placed them with her boquet of wildflowers that was always arranged in a clay vase on the table. She smiled at the fond memory, then picked a few leaves and arranged them into her braid, all before walking back to the Great Hall.
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As Athilda gazed lovingly into Dunhama's eyes, she nearly forgot what was happening, that is until Dunhama slid a ring on her finger, wrapped her in his arms and kissed her with no fear. Once she realized what was happening, she kissed him back, with just as much fearlessness, but a blush rose to her cheeks as cheers and applause broke their revere. Although a bit embarrassed, she turned and waved to the crowd, then walked with her husband to the Great Hall.
As they neared the hall, she looked up into her husbands' eyes and smiled kindly, tenderly.
"I could not have asked for anyone better to share the rest of my days with. I love you, my husband."
She whispered when she thought no one was around them.

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